WHAT'S COOKIN'? NOT CARBS! Following a low carb plan and tired of grazing on the same old stuff? Tune in to Low Carb & Lovin' It, a new show on the Food Network, and you'll be introduced to a whole new world of low carb cooking. Host/chef George Stella used to tip the scales at 465 lbs., but thanks to a low-carb lifestyle, he's snazzy, svelte and spilling carb-cutting secrets left and right! The show premieres on May 9th...check your local listings for exact times.

FUSION FRUITS: ROUND ONEHave you by chance heard of something called a "Grapple?" Here's the deal...An extra fancy fuji apple (apparently the only variety that currently meets the strict Grapple standards), is "bathed" in some sort of secret grape-tastic solution. The result? A magical apple that tastes like a concord grape! These wonderous weirdo fruits are available at a supermarket near you. So what's next, the bananaloupe?

IT'S A MIRACLE! Congratulations to Gayle Reichler, the chocolate fairy who sprinkled her magic (coco-flavored) fairy dust and created the ultimate in low-cal luxury; the 30 calorie-one-gram-of-fat truffle (in milk, dark and mint)! "Gayle's Miracles," her aptly named confections, recently nabbed Candy Buyer magazine's prestigious "Upscale Candy Product of the Year" award. Woohoo! By the way, if you're looking for the perfect gift for mom this Mother's Day, there's still time to order a beautifully-wrapped gift box full of these diet-friendly decadent dainties at www.gaylesmiracles.com.

FIZZ FIGHTS The Cola wars will heat up again this summer when both Coke & Pepsi's "mid-calorie" colas explode onto the scene. Pepsi announced the development of "Pepsi Edge" back in March, while Coke recently reported that they too will offer a half sugar/low carb cola called C2. Coke's 45 calorie-per-eight-ounce beverage will launch first this time, but retro food fans may remember the original half-cal cola: Pepsi Light, the lemon-y bubblefest that had half the calories (and half the sales!) of regular Pepsi back in the 70s. As they say, everything old is new again.

CHEW ON THIS:Today is National Pretzel Day. If you're on a carb-friendly diet plan, munch on a small serving of fat free pretzels. At the mall? BEWARE! Those food court chains offering up soft pretzels usually serve 'em drenched in butter. YIKES!